Pika Salsa Sauce

Pika Salsa Sauce Recipe from Guam | Tomato and Pepper Sauce

Region / culture: Guam | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pika Salsa Sauce is a spicy and flavorful condiment that originated in the Philippines. It is a versatile sauce that can be used as a dip, marinade, or topping for various dishes. This recipe combines fresh tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, garlic, cilantro, vinegar, and tomato juice to create a delicious and zesty salsa.

History

Pika Salsa Sauce has its roots in Filipino cuisine, where spicy and tangy flavors are commonly used in dishes. The combination of tomatoes, chilies, and vinegar has been a staple in Filipino cooking for centuries. This recipe puts a modern twist on the traditional flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food.

Ingredients

6 medium tomatoes, chopped
6 jalapeno peppers, chopped
5 cloves garlic, chopped
8 scallions, chopped (including green tops)
1 cup freshly chopped cilantro
0.25 cup white distilled vinegar
1 can (5.5 fl oz (163 ml)) tomato juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How to prepare

1. In a blender or food processor, process tomatoes, chilies, and garlic until coarsely chopped.
2. Pour the mixture into a medium-sized bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Chill the mixture before serving.

Variations

Add diced onions or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Mix in some mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy salsa.
Substitute jalapeno peppers with serrano peppers for a hotter salsa.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers to suit your spice preference. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before chopping.

- To enhance the flavor of the salsa, you can roast the tomatoes, chilies, and garlic before blending them together.

- For a smoother consistency, blend the salsa mixture until it reaches your desired texture. You can also strain the salsa to remove any chunks or seeds.

- Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Pika Salsa Sauce is perfect for serving with grilled meats, tacos, nachos, or as a topping for scrambled eggs. It adds a burst of flavor to any dish and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Techniques

Use a blender or food processor to easily chop and blend the ingredients together.

- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead.

- Substitute jalapeno peppers with any other chili pepper of your choice.

- Use apple cider vinegar or lime juice instead of white distilled vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

Pika Salsa Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salsa in a decorative bowl with a side of tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for dipping. - Garnish the salsa with a sprig of cilantro or a slice of lime for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pika Salsa Sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or shrimp skewers.

- Serve the salsa alongside a bowl of guacamole and sour cream for a delicious appetizer spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

- To reheat the salsa, simply microwave it for a few seconds or serve it at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 8g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 0g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 2% DV

- Iron: 4% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Pika Salsa Sauce is a low-calorie and nutritious condiment that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy addition to any meal and can be enjoyed by those with dietary restrictions.

Summary

Pika Salsa Sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a spicy kick to any dish. With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this salsa is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it with your favorite meals or as a snack with chips for a tasty treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her small village in Mexico. As we sat in her kitchen chatting, she pulled out a jar of bright red salsa from her pantry and told me it was her special Pika Salsa Sauce.

Maria explained that the sauce was a family recipe passed down from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own mother. She said it was a spicy and flavorful condiment that could be used on just about anything – from tacos and burritos to eggs and grilled meats.

Intrigued by the idea of a homemade salsa that had been in Maria’s family for generations, I asked her if she could teach me how to make it. She smiled and agreed, telling me that she was honored to share her family’s recipe with me.

We spent the afternoon gathering ingredients from Maria’s garden – ripe tomatoes, fiery jalapeños, fragrant cilantro, and tangy limes. As we chopped and diced, Maria shared stories about her grandmother and the many meals they had shared together.

She told me that her grandmother believed that food was a way to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories. She said that every time she made the Pika Salsa Sauce, she felt her grandmother’s presence in the kitchen, guiding her hands and infusing the sauce with love and tradition.

After we had finished making the salsa, Maria poured it into a glass jar and handed it to me with a smile. She told me that now I was part of the family, with the secret recipe in my hands.

I returned home with the jar of Pika Salsa Sauce and eagerly tried it on everything I could think of. It was spicy, tangy, and full of flavor – just as Maria had promised. I shared it with my friends and family, who all raved about its delicious taste.

Over the years, I continued to make the Pika Salsa Sauce, tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I added more jalapeños for extra heat, a splash of vinegar for acidity, and a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors.

I even entered the salsa into a local cooking competition and won first place, much to the surprise and delight of my friends and family. They couldn’t believe that a simple recipe I had learned from a friend in a small village in Mexico had become such a hit.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, just as Maria had done for me. I taught them how to make the salsa, sharing stories about my time in Maria’s kitchen and the special bond we had formed over a shared love of food.

Now, whenever my family gathers for a meal, the Pika Salsa Sauce is always on the table, a reminder of the love and tradition that binds us together. And every time I make it, I feel Maria’s grandmother smiling down on me, grateful that her recipe has found a new home and a new generation of cooks to cherish it.

In the end, I realize that the Pika Salsa Sauce is more than just a condiment – it’s a connection to the past, a celebration of family, and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together. And for that, I am eternally grateful.